Topic:"Emergency Response" in M12786

ed within 72 24 hours. 25 • Level 4 – Corporate Service Restoration Response: more than 50,000 customers 26 affected, and restoration expected to require more than 72 hours. 27 28 For clarification, the levels set out in NS Power’s Emergen...

AI summary NS Power references the Nova Scotia Energy Board's GRA Decision, arguing that storm restoration costs should include both capital and operating expenses. The text outlines NS Power's emergency response levels based on customer impact and restoration time, citing a specific regulatory decision.

6 Page 4 of 15 NS Power 2025 Storm Restoration Costs Non-Confidential 1 2.0 2025 LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 4 STORM EVENTS 2 3 In 2025, NS Power experienced two Level 3 storms and no Level 4 storms. NS Power is required 4 to report on weather-relat...

AI summary NS Power reported one Level 3 storm in 2025 meeting the 30,000+ customer outage threshold, submitting an outage report to the NSEB. A second Level 3 storm did not meet the threshold but required Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) preparation due to predicted restoration delays exceeding 36 hours, with resource mobilization conducted in advance.

of 15 NS Power 2025 Storm Restoration Costs Non-Confidential 1 Figure 6 provides a breakdown of capital costs by account: 2 3 Figure 6 – Breakdown of 2025 Capital Storm Restoration Costs by Account Total Combined Account Level 1 & 2 Storms...

AI summary The document details NS Power's 2025 capital storm restoration costs, categorizing expenses into labor, materials, contracts, and administrative overheads. Level 3 & 4 storms incurred significantly higher costs, particularly in overtime labor and contracts. Section 4.0 emphasizes 'storm readying' and 'storm response' as key cost drivers.

storm engagements. Storm response cost controls and performance management 18 such as those listed below have been incorporated into the existing oversight processes for all 19 contractor work. 20 21 In support of both blue-sky operations...

AI summary NS Power has implemented measures to manage storm response and contractor oversight, including creating a Manager, Contractor Oversight position and assigning Crew Leads to ensure safety and compliance during emergencies.

Page 14 of 15 NS Power 2025 Storm Restoration Costs Non-Confidential 1 7.0 PREDICTED AND ACTUAL STORM LEVELS FOR REPORTED EVENTS 2 3 For the two Level 3 EOC activations in 2025 referenced above, December 5th and December 19th, 4 the predic...

AI summary NS Power's 2025 storm restoration report details two Level 3 EOC activations, showing significant discrepancies between predicted and actual customer impacts during storms on December 5 and December 19-20, 2025. The report includes capital expenditures incurred.

Rain 93 115 180 (ES) CB West Rain 100 Grand Étang 14 Rain 52 96 160 (CBW) CB East Rain 100 Sydney 11 Rain 48 91 190 (CBE) Note: Temperatures shown were recorded during the hour peak winds were observed in each region. Weather service provi...

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report details an outage affecting 198,998 unique customers across Nova Scotia, with 98.93% restored within 48 hours. NS Power prioritized larger outages first, addressing smaller ones afterward, which often involved remote or flooded areas.

23:06 Airport Weather operate. High winds caused trees to 12/19/2025 Halifax Halifax 180 55 85 12 Tree Contacts Falling Trees contact the primary lines, 3,587 18.33 17:02 Airport opening the recloser. Failed/ High winds caused the 12/20/20...

AI summary The document details storm-related power outages in Halifax on December 19 and 20, 2025, caused by high winds leading to tree contacts and equipment damage. It includes incident data such as the number of trees contacting primary lines, recloser openings, and damaged equipment, with associated restoration costs.

downstream customers delayed restoration. High winds caused multiple trees to contact and damage the primary line South 12/19/2025 Tree Falling Yarmouth 180 63 83 12 in multiple locations. Higher load on 11 66.69 Shore 21:52 Contacts Trees...

AI summary A storm on December 19, 2025, caused high winds and falling trees that damaged a primary power line in Yarmouth, delaying restoration for downstream customers. NS Power's Emergency Services Restoration Plan prioritizes restoring power to critical infrastructure and larger customer groups first.

CONFIDENTIAL Symmetrical Storm Rider (does not include interest) 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2023 Level 3 & 4 Actual and Base Rates Variance 21.9 Collection of 2023 Storm Rider -21.9 2024 Level 3 & 4 Actual and Base Rates Variance -6.7 Refund...

AI summary The document details Storm Rider balances from 2023 to 2027, showing adjustments and refunds related to Level 3 & 4 rate variances. It also includes NSPI's response to a consumer advocate request about mid-storm contractor reporting and its use in future operational standards, referencing NSEB matter M12786.

actor invoice reviews did not indicate inappropriate 26 labour rates, mobilization costs or hours of work when compared to negotiated storm 27 response rates and crew tracking data. Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-4 Page 3 of 3 2025...

AI summary NSPI's invoice reviews found no inappropriate labour rates or mobilization costs compared to negotiated storm response rates. The document requests clarification on NSPI's use of predicted vs. actual storm impact data for EOC activation, contractor mobilization, and resource staging, as well as post-event critique processes for Level 3/4 storms.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to IG Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 undertaken to assess forecasting accuracy and whether any corrective action(s) were 2 identified or implemented as a result. 3 4...

AI summary NSPI's response to an information request regarding the 2025 storm restoration includes a comparison of predicted vs. actual customer impact and restoration durations, highlighting significant discrepancies. The report notes the activation of Level 3 EOC based on predicted restoration times and contractor mobilization efforts.

1 (iii) Based on the forecast, 43 percent of the external PLT contractors were staged in the 2 Cape Breton region prior to the event; 24 percent West, 20 percent in the Northeast 3 and 13 percent in the Metro region. 4 5 For the December 1...

AI summary The text outlines contractor deployment during two storm events in December 2025 and describes a post-event critique process mandated by the Emergency Storm Response Plan (ESRP) to evaluate restoration efforts and identify improvements. Regional contractor distribution and post-event review procedures are detailed.

uty Officer, and reviewed by the Storm Leads to generate any required 29 action items. The Post-Event Critique summary document is then stored on an internal 30 ESRP SharePoint site. Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-5 Page 3 of 4 2025...

AI summary NSPI reviewed forecast accuracy post-storm, finding deviations within expected margins. No corrective actions were identified, and NSPI noted it evaluates forecast accuracy on a case-by-case basis. The response relates to NSEB M12786 and references IG IR-09.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Industrial Group Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 2 3 (b) Yes. For events where fewer than 50,000 customers are expected to be impacted the 4 determination of the re...

AI summary NSPI's response to Industrial Group information requests regarding the 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) outlines criteria for determining response levels based on restoration duration for events impacting fewer than 50,000 customers, referencing NSEB IR-01 part (b).

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Industrial Group Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) details NSPI's responses to information requests from an Industrial Group regarding storm-related restoration costs. The report is marked non-confidential and pertains to emergency storm response planning under the ESRP framework.

1 Request IR-7: 2 3 (a) NSPI has stated that a storm level, once declared, cannot be downgraded during the 4 course of an event. Given this position, please confirm whether NSPI agrees that a 5 conservative estimate of restoration time wil...

AI summary NSPI asserts that storm-level designations are based on predicted customer impacts and that restoration duration is a factor in determining response levels. It cites Hurricane Fiona as an example where a Level 4 designation remained unchanged despite reduced outages, emphasizing consistent response planning. The NSEB questions whether conservative restoration time estimates could lock in higher costs and if those costs would be recoverable via the storm rider.

vel 4 event did not become a 25 Level 2 event. That said, as the restoration progresses, contractors are released as soon 26 as there is no productive work remaining to assign to them. 27 28 (b) While professional judgement is used in the...

AI summary NSPI explains its use of analytical tools to determine ESRP Levels for storm events and outlines the process for seeking NSEB approval for Storm Cost Recovery Rider applications when operating costs exceed Level 3/4 storm budgets. The response emphasizes professional judgment and scenario planning to mitigate budget overruns.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Industrial Group Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-8: 2 3 Reference: The Board Decision in M12188 acknowledged NSPI’s commitment to provide 4 5 “more speci...

AI summary NSPI asserts that its December 2025 storm lessons learned report fulfills the Board's directive, emphasizing that wind-driven storm restoration relied on established practices with incremental improvements rather than systemic changes. The response highlights the event's unique challenges compared to prior storms like ice events.

the lessons learned for this event are focused on incremental 30 improvements and the reinforcement of existing practices, rather than fundamental changes 31 to restoration approach. Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-8 Page 1 of 2 2025...

AI summary The document discusses lessons learned from a storm restoration event, emphasizing incremental improvements and reinforcing existing practices rather than overhauling the restoration approach. It is part of NSPI's responses to an information request related to the 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786).

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Industrial Group Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 (b) Please refer to Attachment 1. 2 3 (c) Please refer to Attachment 2 for the Post Event Critique document for the...

AI summary NSPI outlines post-storm actions from the December 2025 storm, including model updates, drone use, and overnight teams. These aim to improve restoration efficiency and reduce outage impacts. The report references a Post Event Critique and includes non-confidential responses to information requests.

5 triage non-outages. 26 Value: This effort keeps crews on priority restoration incidents and uses non-PLT 27 resources to address non-outage incidents. Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-8 Page 2 of 2 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report...

AI summary NSPI's 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (Attachment 1, IR-8) addresses NSEB's information request (M12728), detailing resource allocation strategies for non-outage incidents during storm restoration. The approach prioritizes crews on critical restoration tasks using non-PLT resources.

content creator roster for Communications Lead. 27 28 • Access passwords for some systems expire 30 days and mass resets need to be explored by 29 the Operational Technology lead. 30 Date Filed: April 17, 2026 NSPI (NSEB) IR-14 Page 1 of 2...

AI summary NSPI states it will not alter its vegetation management program post-storm, maintaining spending per the Five-Year Reliability Plan and adhering to existing clearance standards. The document includes a Post-Event Critique for a December 2025 storm and references NSEB M12728 and IR-8.

Cost Report IG IR-8 Attachment 2 Page 1 of 9 Level 3: Wind & Rain Event – Dec. 19th – 20nd 2025 Post-Event Critique (PEC) Attendees: Storm Leads: ☒ Pam Scully-Poirier; ☒ Charlene MacMullin, ☒ Jill Searle Safety: ☐ Peter Murray, ☐ Suzanne M...

AI summary Post-Event Critique (PEC) for a Level 3 wind/rain event (Dec 19-20, 2025) under the Emergency Storm Response Plan (ESRP). Attendees include storm leads, safety personnel, control centre staff, transmission operators, regional teams, logistics, customer services, and executives. The review follows ESRP Appendix 7 and Sub-Process 9 protocols.

of province contractors (where their fall arrest system was engaged), incident reporting and responses to our follow-up questions were not completed within the timelines that we require. o Actions/Feedback/Considerations: ▪ Cletus and team...

AI summary The text highlights contractor shortcomings in incident reporting and documentation, with calls to improve requirements and communication. The Control Centre Lead notes successful on-site incident handling but stresses the need for better communication site visibility and backup supplies. The Transmission Lead cites understaffing in dispatch roles and premature layoffs as issues.

▪ Feedback from field was that we were understaffed re: dispatchers and prematurely let dispatch folks go. Transmission Lead: Done Well: • We did a good job transitioning the Tx crews into Dx crews when transmission restoration was complet...

AI summary The report highlights understaffing issues in dispatch roles and acknowledges successful crew transitions post-storm. It recommends improving forestry equipment coordination, adopting drones for inspections, and enhancing communication between departments to optimize resource allocation during restoration efforts.

tribution regarding transmission material and where it’s located. For the repair at 1N, Substation folks went to Antigonish to gather material when there was material available in Truro. o Actions/Feedback/Considerations: ▪ Explore additio...

AI summary The document discusses the repair at substation 1N, highlighting logistical challenges and feedback on field operations during an emergency. Key considerations include exploring drone contractors, improving field education, and evaluating the effectiveness of overnight dispatchers and garage availability. Positive feedback was noted on logistics, crew management, and communication.

they were under a storm contract? • Considering the size of the Logistics team going forward – shuffling names, consider hours • Tighten language around per diems and when they get issued o Actions/Feedback/Considerations: ▪ Consider: BH C...

AI summary The text discusses operational considerations for storm response, including evaluating storm contracts for BH Contractors/pole setters, aligning per diem policies, improving staffing consistency, adjusting shift timing to 7am-7pm for better EMO coordination, and exploring communication methods like WebEOC. Actions include updating language, evaluating EMO communication strategies, and ensuring warming centers are managed through PCC.

(still in flight) ▪ Warming centers – should come through PCC ▪ Sanjeev to take away and follow up with EMO 7 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report IG IR-8 Attachment 2 Page 8 of 9 IT Lead: Done Well: • Thankful for the December 4th event/tab...

AI summary The IT lead highlighted successful aspects of the December 4th storm response, including effective technology use and proactive monitoring, while noting areas for improvement like coverage gaps and data integration issues.

resets during a storm event. 100+ over the December storm events. Not a problem to action, just takes away from higher value work. Kenny has brought this to Elie and Lauren's attention. o Actions ▪ WebDMD passwords expire every 30 days, an...

AI summary The text discusses challenges during storm events, including password resets disrupting higher-value work and contractor management issues. Actions include addressing password policies and improving coordination with contractors. The Storm Lead highlights areas for improvement, such as model accuracy and shift change discussions.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Industrial Group Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) details NSPI's responses to information requests from an Industrial Group regarding storm-related restoration costs. The report is marked non-confidential and pertains to emergency storm response planning under the ESRP framework.

equipment is subject to the actual weather which occurs and its relative accuracy to a 30 forecast produced in advance of an event and may change considerably over time. Third- Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-9 Page 1 of 2 2025 Storm...

AI summary NSPI explains its use of weather forecasts and continuous model calibration for storm restoration planning, acknowledging forecast limitations. It references the 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report and ESRP, emphasizing preparedness for potential events and model refinement using past data, including December 5, 2025, in Q3 2026 calibration.

s currently possible with existing tools would be enabled by the implementation of 29 the proposed software platform. Potential improvements to post-storm reporting would 30 include: Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-10 Page 1 of 2 202...

AI summary NSPI proposes a software platform to enhance post-storm restoration reporting through daily timesheet reviews, crew tracking, travel monitoring, and productivity metrics. The document is part of NSEB Matter M12786, addressing improvements in storm response operations.

1 Request IR-1: 2 3 On pdf pg. 5 of the report, NS Power states: 4 5 “An outage report was not compiled for the Level 3 Winter Storm EOC event 6 on December 5, 2025, as the storm did not meet the reporting threshold. 7 Outage prediction mo...

AI summary NS Power's response to an inquiry about a Level 3 Winter Storm EOC event on December 5, 2025, explains that the 28,000 customer impact estimate was derived from its Damage Prediction Model (DPM) using weather forecasts. The response also mentions restoration delay expectations but does not yet address the actual restoration time.

by NS Power’s forecast contractor. The December 30 4th 14:00 forecast output from the DPM showing an expected case of ~28,000 customers 31 impacted is provided as Attachment 1. 32 Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (NSEB) IR-2 Page 1 of 2 2025...

AI summary NSPI reports on the 2025 storm restoration, noting a predicted 36+ hour outage duration based on DPM forecasts and crew availability, but actual restoration took 30 hours 50 minutes. The DPM forecast estimated 28,000 impacted customers, with Attachment 1 providing the December 30th output.

event. 24 25 Response IR-4: 26 27 (a-b) Please refer to the table below for the Storm Response costs for the December 5, 2025 and 28 the December 19-20, 2025 Storm events: Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (NSEB) IR-4 Page 1 of 2 2025 Storm Re...

AI summary NSPI provided a detailed breakdown of storm restoration costs for two December 2025 events, including expenses for contracts, labor, materials, and other categories, totaling $954,217 and $4,855,468 respectively.

1 Request IR-9: 2 3 Preamble: Regarding the December 5, 2025 event, NSPI acknowledges the over-forecast, 4 but as no Storm Report was filed, ratepayers have no insight into lessons learned from this 5 event. 6 7 (a) Did NSPI undertake an i...

AI summary NSPI acknowledges an over-forecast during the December 5, 2025 event but notes no Storm Report was filed. They conducted a Post-Event Critique (PEC) under their Emergency Services Restoration Plan (M12441), identifying lessons on EOC roster accuracy and communication. NSPI emphasizes reliance on third-party forecasts for pre-storm planning accuracy.

its parameters for future use. As in previous years NS Power 16 will include event performance, including December 5, 2025, in a future model calibration 17 anticipated in Q3 2026. Date Re-Filed: May 25, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-9 Page 2 of 2 202...

AI summary The document outlines a post-event critique for a December 2025 storm restoration effort, including the inclusion of event performance data in a future model calibration anticipated in Q3 2026. Attendees from various NSPI departments participated in the review.

T/elevated support models Do Better: o Fortify RPP rosters o Onboard RPP subplan leads and refresh rosters o Damage Assessment refresher training, review subplans for coordination with ROPs. Corporate Communications: Done Well: o Regulator...

AI summary The document evaluates performance in elevated support models, corporate communications, and logistics during an event. Key achievements include timely customer communication and rapid roster activation, while areas for improvement include aligning internal employee notifications with public materials and updating messaging documents promptly.

50,000 customers where restoration duration was the sole determinant of the Level 3 designation, require NSPI to demonstrate specifically: - the basis for the pre-storm restoration duration forecast, - a comparison of forecast versus actua...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI) is required to justify its Level 3 storm restoration classification based on restoration duration forecasts and actual impacts. NSPI argues that maintaining the classification supports resource coordination and system restoration, and that adjusting classifications mid-storm could disrupt operations. It emphasizes operational flexibility and contractor arrangements in managing resource deployment.

Any deficiencies, limitations, or failures identified post- 9 event. 10 (c) Please quantify, where possible, the cost savings attributed to: 11 (i) Standardized storm contractors; 12 (ii) Per diem meal reimbursement practices; and 13 (iii)...

AI summary The document outlines requests for quantifying cost savings from storm contractor practices, explaining contractor invoice validation, and clarifying NSPI's storm level declarations. It also seeks expanded data on predicted vs. actual restoration times and the use of impact forecasts in emergency decisions.

-5- 1 (i) EOC activation; 2 (ii) Contractor mobilization; and 3 (iii) Staging of external resources. 4 (c) Please describe the process undertaken by NSPI through its Post-Event 5 Critique process, after each level 3 or 4 storm (whether ant...

AI summary The text includes questions about NSPI's Post-Event Critique process for storms, forecasting accuracy analysis, and clarification on its storm classification metrics (customer impact and restoration timelines). It seeks details on documentation, process variations based on storm realization, and evaluation of forecasting biases.

CONCLUSION It is respectfully requested that the Board direct NSPI to: 1. Adopt and file formal definitions of "storm readying" and "storm response" for use in all future annual reports. [ 23 ](#page-5-1) Exhibit N-3, IG IR-8(a). [ 24 ](#p...

AI summary The document outlines several requests directed to Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) regarding the need for formal definitions, annual reporting, baseline methodology reports, and assessments of forecast accuracy. These requests aim to improve transparency and accountability in storm readiness and response practices, as well as the accuracy of cost recovery mechanisms.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 2.0 REPLY TO CONSUMER ADVOCATE (CA) SUBMISSIONS 2 3 The CA presented two recommendations to NS Power in its submissions; NS Power will address 4 each in part. 5 6 2.1 Formal Definitions of "Storm Readying" and "Storm Res...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate (CA) recommends that NS Power formalize definitions for 'storm readying' and 'storm response' to improve consistency and cost tracking. NS Power responds by providing working definitions and plans to formalize them in future reports. The CA also highlights NS Power's limited accuracy in predicting damage from smaller storms and recommends further study.

50,000 customers where restoration duration was the sole determinant of the Level 3 designation, require NSPI to demonstrate specifically: - the basis for the pre-storm restoration duration forecast, - a comparison of forecast versus actua...

AI summary The document outlines requirements for Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI) to demonstrate the basis for its pre-storm restoration duration forecast, compare forecasts with actual outcomes, and explain incremental costs associated with Level 3 storm classifications. NS Power defends its approach as consistent with past recommendations and highlights the importance of maintaining storm classifications for operational stability and resource coordination.